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Crusaders Shut Down By Kirtland on the Road

Photo by Andrew Grimm Steubenville Central’s Noah Fayak (2) looks to avoid oncoming tacklers in a playoff game at Kirtland on Friday night.

From staff reports

CHESTERLAND–For the first time this season, the Catholic Central football team lost on the road, and it happened at the worst possible moment.

The Crusaders lost to Kirtland, 59-0, in a Division VI, Region 21 sectional contest on Friday at West Geagua High School.

Catholic Central (7-4) fumbled the opening kickoff. On Kirtland’s first play from scrimmage, Joey Torok ran for a 9-yard touchdown.

After the Crusaders got the ball back, they had to punt. Two plays later, Torok ran for a 50-yard score.

Another turnover hurt CCHS, this time at its own 1-yard line. Kirtland’s Luke Gardner recovered it and put the Bees up 21-0. All three scores occurred within the game’s first 3:40.

With 5:05 remaining in the first quarter, Tommy Powers’ 31-yard TD run put the Hornets ahead by 28 points.

Another Powers touchdown run — this time from 25 yards out — gave the Hornets a 35-0 lead after just one quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, Powers connected with Torok on a screen pass that resulted in a 43-yard touchdown. Kirtland took a 42-0 lead.

The Crusaders put together a 17-play drive on their next possession. However, they turned it over on downs at the Hornets’ 15.

Then, with 1:55 remaining in the first half, Torok hauled in a 34-yard TD pass to give Kirtland a 49-0 halftime lead.

Kirtland (11-0) added another TD in the third and a field goal in the fourth.

Central’s Justin Hartzell was 5 of 13 passing for 36 yards and one interception. He carried the ball 22 times for 17 yards.

Noah Fayak was the leading rusher, with eight carries for 26 yards. He also hauled in two passes for 10 yards. Matt Bell collected two receptions for 14. CCHS had 94 total yards.

“It is what it is,” Central coach Steve Daley said. “It still doesn’t take away from the fact that our kids, I thought, had an outstanding season. I imagine this team (Kirtland) will be playing in Canton.”

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